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Summer drink-driving figures up on last year

Wednesday, 13th July 2011.

Suffolk has seen what police are calling a 'disappointing' rise in the percentage of people in Suffolk knowingly risking their lives and the lives of others by drink and drug-driving since last year.

The results of Suffolk police’s summer drink and drug-drive enforcement campaign for June 2011 shows an increase of 13.3 per cent compared with the same campaign in 2010.

The month-long campaign began on June 1 and saw officers across Suffolk conduct 507 breath tests. Of those tests 111 were positive, which equates to 21.9 per cent.

This compares to the results from June 2010 where officers conducted 711 breath tests – 61 (8.6 per cent) of which were positive.

Of the 507 tests that were recorded 114 were conducted on those aged 25 and under with 21 of these being positive, the equivalent of 18 per cent. A total of 393 were conducted on those over 25 and 90 were positive (23 per cent).

There were 211 tests routinely conducted on each party involved in road traffic collisions, with 41 drivers over the limit. That equates to 19 per cent.

Furthermore, of the 111 failed tests, 60 were carried out on Saturdays and Sundays with 47 of these taking place in the morning.

Insp Bruce Gent of the Road Policing Unit said: “These figures are very disappointing. Over a fifth of people tested have failed to act with consideration or acknowledge the greatly increased risks they face by drink-driving and this is unacceptable.

“Those offending need to realise that they not just putting themselves at risk but other innocent road-users as well. This is a very serious issue and can have severe consequences.

“Motorists must also be aware of how long alcohol can remain in your system. This year’s figures show that a number of people have been caught on Saturday and Sunday mornings, which suggests drivers are getting behind the wheel having been drinking the night before.

"Even if you feel fine the next morning you must recognise that you may still be over the limit and you should not drive.”

“Drink or drug-driving is one of the fatal four driving offences and will not be tolerated by Suffolk Police. This remains a priority and we will continue to do checks throughout the year.”

Anybody convicted of drink-driving will have a criminal record and could receive a prison sentence of up to ten years, they could be banned from driving, fined heavily and even lose their jobs - not to mention the possible loss of life.

Anyone who suspects someone of drink-driving is asked to report them immediately to the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Haverhill Online News

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